The WWE Universe is still reeling from the impending retirement of one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time, AJ Styles. As the wrestling world prepares to bid farewell to this wrestling icon, Styles has been looking back on his illustrious career and sharing some of the regrets and what-ifs that still linger.
In a recent interview, Styles revealed that there are a few AEW stars who he wishes he had the opportunity to share the ring with before hanging up his boots. The list of names includes some of the biggest stars in AEW, and it’s clear that Styles holds them in high regard.
AEW Names That Got Away
Styles’ first choice would have been to face the likes of Bryan Danielson, now known as Bryan Danielson in AEW, in a dream match. “Bryan’s got a certain level of technicality that I think would have brought out the best in me,” Styles said. “I would have loved to have put on a showcase of what we both can do in the ring, it would have been an incredible experience.”
Another big name on Styles’ wish list is CM Punk. “CM Punk is one of the most talented guys I’ve ever seen in the ring. His ability to tell a story through his matches is unmatched, and I think we could have created something special together. Our styles, our pace, it would have been a clash for the ages.”
And last but not least, Styles would have loved to face the likes of Kenny Omega in a high-flying extravaganza. “Kenny’s got that same level of athleticism that I’ve always prided myself on, and I think our match would have been a real spectacle. The high-flying, the technicality, it would have been a match for the ages.”
A Dream Match with Cody Rhodes
While Styles didn’t mention Cody Rhodes specifically as one of the AEW stars he wishes he had faced, sources close to the American Nightmare revealed that Rhodes has been in talks with Styles about a potential future match. “Cody and AJ have been discussing a potential match for some time now,” a WWE insider revealed. “Cody’s been a huge fan of AJ’s work for years, and he thinks that they could create something truly special together. The problem is that AJ’s got a lot on his plate right now, what with his retirement and all, but they’re hoping to make it happen in the future.”
AJ Styles’ Legacy in WWE
As AJ Styles prepares to hang up his boots and enter the WWE Hall of Fame, his legacy is already cemented as one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time. With a career spanning over two decades, Styles has won numerous championships and has been a part of some of the most iconic moments in WWE history.
But despite all of his achievements, Styles still has some regrets about his time in WWE. “There are a few things that I wish I had done differently, a few names that I wish I had faced,” Styles said. “But overall, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had.”
A Legacy That Will Live On
As AJ Styles rides off into the sunset, his legacy will live on through the countless wrestlers who have been inspired by his career. From his high-flying moves to his technical grappling, Styles has been a true innovator in the world of professional wrestling.
And while he may have some regrets about the names he didn’t get to face, Styles is confident that his time in WWE has been well spent. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best in the business, and I’ve been a part of some truly unforgettable moments,” Styles said. “I’m grateful for every second of it, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
The AJ Styles Era Comes to a Close
As AJ Styles prepares to retire, the WWE Universe is saying goodbye to a true legend. But even as Styles hangs up his boots, his legacy will live on through the countless wrestlers who have been inspired by his career.
And who knows? Maybe someday, we’ll see Styles back in the ring, facing off against one of the AEW stars he’s always wanted to face. Until then, we’ll always have the memories of his incredible career in WWE.